When you think of a “pickup truck” what probably comes to mind is the Ford F-150. This perennial best-seller has evolved into the modern era with an aluminum body, a turbocharged powertrain, a hybrid option, an all-electric spinoff—reviewed separately—and all of Ford's best technology. If you want a work truck, the entry-level XL has everything you need and nothing but climb up the trim ladder and you'll find a long list of desirable features—and a price tag to match, of course. For those who want to venture into the wilderness, there's a dashing Tremor model, while the upscale Platinum and Limited trims pamper passengers with Lincoln-level luxury. The F-150 doesn't ride as well as the Ram 1500 or handle as hard as the Chevy Silverado, but it's highly capable, multi-configurable, and very competitive. In other words, his accomplishments are enough to generate the loyalty that keeps him at the top of the sales charts year after year.
Ford has added an off-road-oriented Rattler trim to the F-150 lineup for 2023. Based on the XL FX4, the Rattler adds unique 18-inch wheels, a dual exhaust system, hill descent control, a locking rear differential and an off-road suspension system as well as distinctive badging rattlesnake inspired throughout its design. The Rattler's placement in the F-150 lineup provides a more affordable option for buyers who want the added off-road capability but don't want to spend the money on the more expensive Tremor or Raptor models.
The F-150 is available with a variety of body styles and bed lengths. While the XLT model is an upgrade over the basic XL work truck, we prefer the added luxury of the Lariat. It's nearly $10,000 more expensive than the XLT, which may make it out of reach for some buyers, but it has the best mix of features and affordability.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
The 2023 F-150 is available with several engines—a 290 hp 3.3-liter V-6; 400 hp 5.0 liter V-8; 325 hp 2.7 liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine; 400 hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine; and a 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine with 250 hp. No matter which engine you choose, the F-150 comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. For the first time, the F-150 is also offered with a hybrid powertrain. Ford claims that the new 400 hp hybrid powertrain—consisting of a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, a 35 kW electric motor, and a 10-speed automatic transmission—will offer a driving range of up to 700 miles per tank. and can also power an on-board generator to keep power flowing at the job site or during a power outage. Buyers will be able to choose between rear- and four-wheel drive with the available F-150 powertrain. On our test track, the four-wheel drive Lariat with the hybrid powertrain accelerated to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. During our test drives, we noted an obedient ride and pleasant handling; High-spec models like the King Ranch come with a variable assist steering system that sharpens response at low speeds for a more agile feel. The Tremor model promises the most off-road capability; it boasts 33-inch all-terrain tires, an upgraded suspension, a locking rear differential, and a four-wheel-drive transfer case borrowed from the mighty F-150 Raptor. On our test track, the Tremor soared to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, trailing the more powerful Raptor by just 0.1 second.
Towing and Payload Capacity
While the base 3.3-liter V-6 has a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds, models equipped with the 400-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 can tow up to 14,000 pounds. Using the venerable 5.0-liter V-8 engine means maximum towing capacity is just 13,000 pounds; the diesel V-6 can carry up to 12,100 pounds and the hybrid model can tow up to 12,700 pounds. Payload capacities range from 1,840 to 3,250 pounds. This towing and payload capacity keeps the new F-150 competitive with its main rivals such as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 and Ram 1500.
Real World Fuel and MPG Savings
The EPA estimates the F-150 with its turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 engine will produce up to 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 is rated at up to 18 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. The hybrid version is estimated at 25 mpg city and 26 highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing program, a Tremor model with the 3.5-liter twin-turbo engine returned 19 mpg. Once we get the F-150 hybrid running, we can evaluate real-world mpg. For more information about the F-150's fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
The interior styling of the F-150 nearly matches the deluxe cabin of the Ram 1500, especially on Ford's upscale King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited models. Premium materials are used throughout and the cabin is equipped with plenty of storage space. The additional convenience features are intended to make things easier for those using the F-150 as a mobile workspace. For example, the 10-speed automatic shift lever can be folded flush with the center console to create a large, flat working space. Likewise, the F-150 can be ordered with fold-flat front seats that can be used as a place to sleep. Passenger space is spacious, with the most spacious and family-friendly four-door crew cab body style. At the rear, the F-150 sleeps. An optional onboard generator provides up to 7.2 kW of power to support power needs on the job site or at tailgate parties.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Ford provides an 8.0-inch infotainment screen as standard running an improved version of the brand's Sync 4 software, while a much larger 12.0-inch unit is optional. It matches the optional vertically oriented 12.0-inch screen on the Ram 1500, but the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra are available with a larger 13.4-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot; navigation, SiriusXM radio, and a Bang & Olufsen stereo system are optional. The new Sync 4 software provides over-the-air updates for future software releases, traffic and weather updates via the optional navigation system, and onboard telematics for fleet customers to help track vehicle location and usage.
Ford offers a number of driver assistance features, but few are standard. More features will become available as buyers move through F-150 trim levels, including a rear camera for monitoring the trailer while traveling. For more information on F-150 crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Lane departure warnings are available with the help of lane keepers
Adaptive cruise control is available
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The F-150 comes with bumper-to-bumper coverage of three years or 36,000 miles and powertrain coverage of five years or 60,000 miles. Ford doesn't offer free scheduled maintenance, but competitors like the Toyota Tundra and GM twins do.
The limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
The powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
No free scheduled maintenance
